Japan is a popular destination for travelers curious about technology and great food. The Land of the Rising Sun has a plethora of attractions and activities for the avid tourist, especially in Tokyo, Japan’s busiest city! Tokyo offers tourists a lively city that weaves historical landmarks with ultramodern architecture.

With its bustling crowds and sleek city structures, first-time visitors may feel overwhelmed with what to do first, where to eat, and places to see. Here are some things you can do next time you’re boarding a plane to Tokyo!

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9 Let Your Tastebuds Go Wild

Japanese cuisine is critically acclaimed and recognized around the world. Lucky travelers heading to Tokyo can enjoy a melange of Japanese delights to awaken their jet-lagged tastebuds.

Check out some of the best restaurants in Tokyo or give your wallet a rest and try some cheap, fast eats. Neighborhoods like Takadanobaba have student-friendly deals on food, with places serving delights such as shu cream (Japanese cream puff) or curry. For on-the-go bites walk into a cozy bakery or convenience stores to pick up snacks like kare pan (deep-fried curry buns), croquette sandwiches, and onigiris (Japanese rice balls). Mos Burger is also a must-try—this is one of Japan’s most popular fast-food restaurants!

8 Eat At a Unique Theme Restaurant

Maid cafes are common in Tokyo, but visitors should check out other cute and unique theme restaurants in the city too! Some popular places to visit include:

  • The Pokémon Cafe (for lovers of the popular Anime)
  • The Hedgehog Cafe & Pet Store (for travelers who love hedgehogs and a quick caffeine boost)
  • Lion (this cafe was specifically made for classical music lovers; you can sip your tea while listening to speakers playing orchestra music!)
  • Alice in Fantasy Book (a restaurant inspired by Lewis Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland, from the cute decor to the colorful menu items)

7 Soak in the City Views

To see an aerial view of Tokyo, head to the Tokyo City View and Sky Deck, located on top of the Roppongi Hills. For ¥500, travelers can get a panoramic view of the city, during the day or night (the tower is open from 10 am until 8 pm). You can also get a great view of the city during sunset (though it’s usually packed around this time). Regardless, you can still soak in Tokyo’s extensive network of a city by visiting this popular tourist attraction! A gift shop, art museum, restaurant, and small cafe selling beverages are also present at the tower.

6 Pay a visit to Tokyo’s Shrines and Temples

Tokyo is adorned with many beautiful shrines, reminding visitors that the city—regardless of its ultramodern aesthetic—still preserves remnants of its past history. Meiji Jingu is a popular Shinto shrine and a must-visit for tourists. Surrounded by a small forest in the heart of Tokyo, this shrine was dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in the 18th century. Tourists should also check out Sensō-Ji Temple (Tokyo’s oldest temple built in 645) and the Yasukuni Shrine.

5 People Watch At Any City Park

People watching may seem like a mundane afternoon activity, but travelers wandering in unfamiliar places might like soaking in the sun while passively observing locals enjoying a day at the park. Grab some snacks or a delicious craft beer at a local convenience store, find an empty park bench, and take in the fact that you’re in Tokyo. Enjoy an afternoon at Ueno Park under the cherry blossoms or relax near some blossoming flowers at Showa Kinen Park.

4 Shop Until You Drop

Travelers with an itch to shop need not worry, as Japan’s capital city has you covered! Tokyo is home to a variety of malls and countless shops to satiate your shopping needs. Take a trip to DiverCity Tokyo Plaza—an 8-floor mall with a variety of stores serving international (and national) retail brands. For a traveler’s inner child, visit the Akihabara Gachapon Hall, a toy store with over 400 gachapons (a vending machine for capsule toys)! Frugal tourists can also pay a visit to Don Quijote, a discount convenience store that sells various knick-knacks, including snacks and stationery items.

3 Visit a Unique Museum

Museums are always a good way to learn more about the local culture and learn something new. However, if you’re fascinated with a particular subject, certain museums may pique your interests more than others. In Tokyo, there are several museums to satisfy travelers’ unique curiosities. Some include:

  • The Railway Museum for travelers interested in trains, locomotives, and railways
  • Samurai Museum for tourists who want to learn more about these fearless warriors
  • Tokyo’s Meguro Parasitological Museum for visitors who are curious about parasites
  • The Ghibli Museum for avid fans of the popular Studio Ghibli films!

2 Stay At A Specialty Hotel (Yes, Including A Capsule Hotel)!

Travelers heading to Tokyo can enjoy a plethora of unique hotel and sleeping accommodations that go far beyond the standard twin-sized hotel bed suite. Spend a couple of nights at any one of Tokyo’s capsule hotels, which is more affordable compared to traditional hotels. If travelers are still keen on booking a hotel, why not book one at Tokyo’s Henn Na Hotel Tokyo Ginza, the world’s first hotel with working robots! Another budget-friendly option is taking a quick snooze at any of Tokyo’s manga cafes.

1 Just Wander And Get lost!

Have you ever heard of the saying, “those who wander are not always lost?”

Tokyo is a huge city, with an extensive transportation system. This means that tourists tend to get miss the in-betweens while traveling in this futuristic city because they can get caught up hitting famous tourist attractions. Travelers who’ve visited Tokyo recommend walking outside your hotel room in any direction and just walk. Travelers can use a train stop as a reference point and just begin walking in any direction (barring that they remember how to get back).

Seriously; just get lost! You may find some hidden gems while exploring the Tokyo streets, whether it’s wandering the colorful streets of Harajuku or soaking in the sights at the Ueno Market.

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